Homewood, Kay – Born October 20, 1937, to Harry P. Brehm & Elva Rosa Bender in Hoisington, KS, passed away in Wichita, KS surrounded by her loving family on January 4th, 2023.
Kay’s father traveled and worked for the Santa Fe railroad during many of her younger years. Kay attended numerous grade schools, her most memorable were at Hoisington and Kinsley. She moved to Luray to finish high school where she lived and worked with her aunt Elsie Harbaugh and family. She graduated from Luray High school in 1956. Kay Brehm married Earl Homewood on August 20th, 1956. Together they had two daughters: Cynthia Peterson of Camarillo CA and Tracy (Bob) Feil of Marshalltown, IA. Earl and Kay were married for 49 years until Earls death on May 20, 2006.
Kay was proud to have worked at the Russell Court House while Bob Dole was still there. She began her ultimate career in the bookkeeping department at Russell State Bank in 1965. During her time there, Kay held many different positions with the bank including the Passport Club in 1989 while she was the Director of Marketing which took individuals who were 55+ on day trips and traveled to foreign countries. They ended up traveling thousands of miles together. Education was always an important part of Kay. While working full time at the bank and raising her children she also continued her education with Barton Community College and Fort Hays State University. While employed at the bank Kay was named Woman of the Year for Russell. Kay was promoted in 1991 to the Assistant Vice President of Russell State Bank. Kay retired from UMB Bank of Russell in 2003 after 38 years of service. Kay was active with St John’s Lutheran Church of Russell and had may interests’ that she pursued after her retirement.
Kay was a faithful advocate for Russell County and engaged in writing several grants for funding to support the history of Russell. She was President of the CVB, a member of the Russell Historical Society, Russell Oil Patch Museum, Smoky Hill Trail Association, served Russell Rotary Club as a member and as President, American Legion Auxiliary for 63 years, Russell County Commissions Interim Director in 2008, Russell Regional Hospital $2 million Challenge Co-Chair. In 2020 Kay received the Russell Citizen of the Year award. She traveled from Wichita to receive her award and had such a wonderful time at the banquet.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, sisters Carol, Nancy, Cheri-Ann, and brother Harry Jr.
Survived by daughters Cynthia Peterson, Tracy (Bob) Feil, grandchildren Ashley (Juan Carlos) Benitez of Wichita, KS, Erin Peterson of Wichita, KS & Kellin Feil of Marshalltown, IA. Great grandchildren Cory Cox, Kaylen Cox & Ayden Benitez all of Wichita, KS and sister Aneda Burroughs of Elkhart, KS and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Thursday, January 12th at the mortuary. Family will greet guests the day of the service from noon to 1 P.M.
Memorials may be given to the (RCACF) Russell County Area Community Foundation and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.